Kenya Appeals Nduta’s Execution in Vietnam, Seeks Leniency
The Kenyan government has launched an urgent appeal to overturn the death sentence handed to Margaret Nduta by a Vietnamese court for drug trafficking. Nduta, 37, was convicted after being caught with two kilograms of cocaine in July 2023 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City while transiting to Laos.
Execution Postponed Following Kenya’s Intervention
Nduta was sentenced to death on March 6, 2025, by the People’s Court in Ho Chi Minh City. Her execution, initially scheduled for March 17, was postponed following an intervention by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed that a Kenyan delegation had secured travel visas in Bangkok and traveled to Ho Chi Minh Prison to visit Nduta.
“We can confirm that while deeply distressed, Margaret is coping and has been treated humanely. Though she was not represented by counsel during her trial, an appeal filed a few days ago will be heard soon,” Sing’oei stated.
Public and Diplomatic Pressure for Leniency
Nduta’s case has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from Kenyans, with many urging the government to pursue all possible diplomatic avenues to spare her life. Her defense claims she was deceived by a man who tricked her into transporting a suitcase to an unknown woman in Laos.
However, skepticism remains, with some believing that Nduta knowingly took part in a drug trafficking operation, possibly enticed by the promise of quick cash. A Kenyan woman has also come forward, alleging that she previously served time with Nduta in a Ghanaian prison.
Kenya Seeks Diplomatic Resolution
In discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, Sing’oei reiterated Kenya’s request for leniency and a stay of execution.
“I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and reiterated our request for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue,” Sing’Oei said.
The Vietnamese government has assured Kenya that the petition is under active consideration. Meanwhile, Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Bangkok continues to follow up on the case, exploring alternative solutions to the grave situation.
As diplomatic efforts continue, authorities have reiterated a strong warning against Kenyans getting involved in drug or human trafficking, highlighting the severe consequences of such crimes in foreign countries.
In other news: Murang’a Family Pleads for Government Intervention as Kenyan Woman Faces Death Sentence in Vietnam
Kenya Appeals Nduta’s Execution in Vietnam, Seeks Leniency